# Microsoft Windows security features and vulnerabilities

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/microsoft-windows-security-features-and-vulnerabilities
> Updated: 2026-10-24T23:18:01.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2.

Windows Security provides an integrated suite for Windows 10 and 11, including Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Microsoft Defender Firewall, and BitLocker encryption. Evaluations by the German organization AV-Test have placed these built-in tools on par with dedicated antivirus programs regarding protection, usability, and performance.

However, security research identified nine vulnerabilities within the Administrator Protection feature introduced in Windows 11, version 25H2. This feature, intended to replace User Account Control (UAC) with a more robust security boundary, was found to allow for the silent elevation of privileges. Microsoft has issued fixes via security bulletins, but as of December 1, 2025, the company has temporarily disabled the Administrator Protection feature to resolve application compatibility issues.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Microsoft Windows security features and vulnerabilities

Windows Security integrates Defender, Firewall, and BitLocker. Recent research identified nine vulnerabilities in the new Administrator Protection feature, which Microsoft has since patched.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/microsoft-windows-security-features-and-vulnerabilities

### 2026-10-03: Windows Security provides robust protection against digital threats

Windows Security has received top ratings from AV-Test for protection and performance, offering robust built-in defense against viruses and ransomware when configured correctly.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/windows-security-provides-robust-protection-against-digital-threats

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Cite as: Microsoft Windows security features and vulnerabilities. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/microsoft-windows-security-features-and-vulnerabilities